Applications

InsituPro VSi – Next generation in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry

The InsituPro VSi performs all operations of the procedure like rehydration, permeation, postfixation, hybridization, antibody incubation as well as all washing steps. In addition, probes and antibodies can be partially recovered. The large work area allows the user to work with up to 17 different buffers without interrupting a run to automate even complex protocols. Two buffer positions are cooled to preserve delicate solutions like antibodies. Buffer preheating (e.g. for posthybridization washes) is provided by to heated positions. Two ports for 1l bottles allow easier handling of bulk solutions like PBS(T) or TBS(T). With four different configurations, the InsituPro VSi can be easily customized to suit the user´s needs. Up to 60 whole mounts/vibratome sections or slides can be processed in parallel with individual probes or antibodies.

Whole mount preparations and vibratome sections are processed in separate incubation baskets placed in keyhole shaped cavities in the specimen tray. The specimen tray is arranged on top of a thermostatically regulated rack allowing heating or cooling of the specimens between 6°C and 75°C. Liquids are removed and added by a unique pipetting mechanism using a dual channel needle. This new architecture allows a very gentle exchange of liquids to successfully process even the most delicate samples.

When doing sections, each slide with thin sections is mounted on a counter slide with a silk-screened spacer to form an independent incubation chamber. Six of these chambers are combined to a slide block, and ten of these blocks are mounted vertically into the heated incubation tub. The design of the incubation tub allows control of temperature and high humidity for optimal performance. Liquid exchange within these vertical slide incubation chambers is driven by gravity flow. Capillary forces assure the sections are always submerged in buffer.

The InsituPro VSi is operated by PC-based software, allowing full control of all parameters, including temperature settings and parallel processing of samples with different incubation times. Template protocols are available, allowing easy adoption of the user´s favourite protocols. In addition, a growing collection of protocols from users, optimized for different species and stages are available.